Work Solo or have helper?

[Terry E]

I run a part time lawn service and I do most of my work on the weekends. Last two seasons I used one helper. What is the best advice for growing business: Is it more profitable to work solo or have a helper? (I use an ExMark 48 Z, stick edger, truck and trailer, back pack blower, and flyers.)

Also, any information on getting customers grouped in same subdivision would be greatly appreciated.

-Thanks, Reliable Lawncare

[Scaper-S2k]

Your profit percent will be higher working solo, but you will make more money after hiring employees. Well, at least you should.

[cjm2783]

yeah, if you try to work alone you're going to burn yourself out. i just think you have to have people working for you to make serious money.

about having all the people in one sub-division... well you would be blessed if it come up that way, but most of the time it doesn't. i did get 6 in one, but that's just luck of the draw. you cant force people to hire you. just keep put fliers out and see what happens.

[shortgut]

working solo

can not find anybody that really wants to work they want to get paid but it seems that I am always having to push them to speed up had 3 helpers last year 1 of the 3 was good then he go off in to those left handed cigarettes and the last time I used him he was not worth a crap I did not call him any more and he never called wanting to work

[mariner]

can not find anybody that really wants to work they want to get paid but it seems that I am always having to push them to speed up had 3 helpers last year 1 of the 3 was good then he go off in to those left handed cigarettes and the last time I used him he was not worth a crap I did not call him any more and he never called wanting to work

I'm in the same situation as you. I got better equipment this year and plan on going after bigger lawns and commercial only. I plan on getting rid of all the 20 and 25's and going with 35's and up only. I need to continue how i'm working for 2 more years then I can get a building and expand a little more. I'm not one to take out huge loans and go big right away. I have built this business from nothing to 150 customers in 2 years. 2 more successful years and then i'll feel comfortable expanding.